Federico Peluso is officially a Juventus player after signing a loan deal with option to buy from Atalanta. “This is a dream come true.”

The defender was brought in after Giorgio Chiellini was ruled out for three months by a thigh injury.

A note on the club website confirmed he passed his medical and has signed a contract until June 2013 with option to buy at the end of the season, though the financial details were not disclosed. He is believed to have cost Juve €1m for the loan and another €5m to make the move permanent.

“It is certainly a great feeling and I am very happy. The year could not have got off to a better start,” Peluso told the official Juventus website.

“I will enjoy this splendid moment and hope to have many more. These have been the best months of my career and enabled me to arrive at Juventus. This is a dream come true.

“I think all the hard work in the smaller sides has helped me a great deal, as I earned everything I’ve got and hope to put my experience on to the field.

“I already know what awaits me with Antonio Conte. I always leave the pitch aware I’ve given my all. In today’s football it is important to know how to play in many different roles. I started out as a full-back, but do not have a preferred position.

“I thank all the fans who wrote to me and hope to repay their faith with my performances.”